A display by the Brain Injury Association of Windsor-Essex is shown at Devonshire Mall on June 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.A display by the Brain Injury Association of Windsor-Essex is shown at Devonshire Mall on June 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Windsor

Effects of head injuries simulated in mall display

An interactive display is attempting to give people an idea of what living with a brain injury is like.

The Brain Injury Association of Windsor and Essex County (BIAWE) is hosting the display throughout the weekend at Devonshire Mall. The purpose of the display is to show the difficulties with everyday tasks that people with assorted head injuries are forced to endure.

Kate Turner, a volunteer with the BIAWE, explained that the problem is more common than people realize.

"It doesn't just impact certain activities, it's really those everyday things that people take for granted that you can do normally," said Turner.

The display features a series of experiments that people can try to get a feel for what someone with a brain injury must go through. Members of the media were invited to put their memory skills to the test during a demonstration Friday morning. For example, participants are asked to dribble a ball while trying to recall a list of words. They are also asked to try to identify someone in a photo that's in pieces.

The BIAWE said over 45,000 thousand new cases of acquired brain injury are added each year in Ontario, with 155,000 concussions occurring in the province annually. With concussions being considered a brain injury, Turner said those who play sports can take easy steps to reduce the risk.

"Wearing a helmet or anything like that, or even just being more aware of the fact that that can happen in sports and other things, they are preventable," said Turner.

The BIAWE also said brain injury is more common than spinal cord injury, breast cancer and HIV-AIDS combined.

Visitors can try their luck with the experiments Saturday and Sunday during regular hours at Devonshire Mall. The display is located near the mall administration office, in the concourse connecting Hudson's Bay to the centre mall area.

For further information on brain injury, as well as how to prevent and treat them, visit the BIAWE's official website or consult your primary care physician.

Kate Turner, a volunteer with the Brain Injury Association of Windsor and Essex County demonstrates some of the experiments being shown at Devonshire Mall, Windsor, June 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

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